a few counties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few counties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of counties in a specific context, such as discussing geographical areas or administrative divisions. Example: "The new policy will be implemented in a few counties to assess its effectiveness before a wider rollout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Connecticut it is known from only a few counties.

Yale University

Sometimes the corporate migration is only a few counties away.

The New York Times

Pat Robertson and Jim Bakker did not come, although they lived only a few counties away.

The New Yorker

"Why can't Realtors in North Carolina, or a few counties, have coverage under one umbrella?" she asked.

The New York Times

A few counties, including Nassau and Orange, outpaced the 52percentt growth rate for Asians in Queens.

The New York Times

States experienced a number of problems when they began testing electronic benefit technology in a few counties 20 years ago.

The New York Times

All but a few counties were in, and those few had told The A.P. what their final recount figures were.

The New York Times

The study is more comprehensive than similar studies that covered only a few hospitals in a few counties.

The New York Times

And despite years of work, only a few counties are currently able to locate cellphone callers who dial 911.

The New York Times

The clerks in a few counties announced that they would stay open a few hours later Friday.

The Guardian

Suddenly becoming the health-care law's sole insurer in all but a few counties is an unwelcome prospect.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For increased precision, consider providing the actual number of counties if known and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a few counties" when the exact number is crucial for understanding. While generally understood as more than two, the specific number is subjective. Instead, provide a precise number when accuracy matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few counties" functions as a quantifier phrase, specifying an indefinite but limited number of counties. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing geographical areas, policy implementations, and statistical data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few counties" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a small, indefinite number of counties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and scientific publications. The analysis reveals that while the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure clarity in context, especially when the exact number of counties is relevant. Alternatives like "several counties" or "a small number of counties" can be used for nuanced meaning. The phrase functions primarily as a quantifier, indicating a limited quantity without specifying the exact number, and its purpose is to generalize or specify a subset of a larger group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few counties

Adds emphasis to the limited number of counties.

several counties

Emphasizes a slightly larger, yet still indefinite, number of counties.

a couple of counties

Specifies a smaller number, implying exactly two counties.

a small number of counties

More formal and explicitly indicates a limited quantity of counties.

a handful of counties

Suggests a small, manageable number of counties, similar to what can be held in a hand.

a limited number of counties

Highlights the restriction in the quantity of counties being discussed.

certain counties

Indicates specific, but unnamed, counties.

some counties

A more general term indicating an unspecified number of counties.

a minority of counties

Focuses on the counties being part of a smaller group compared to a larger whole.

a select few counties

Implies a deliberate choice or distinction among the counties.

FAQs

How can I use "a few counties" in a sentence?

You can use "a few counties" to refer to a small, indefinite number of counties. For example, "The new program will be launched in "a few counties" before being rolled out statewide".

What can I say instead of "a few counties"?

You can use alternatives like "several counties", "a couple of counties", or "a small number of counties" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a few counties" or "several counties"?

Both "a few counties" and "several counties" are acceptable. "A few" typically implies a smaller number than "several", but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the meaning of "a few counties" compare to "some counties"?

"A few counties" suggests a smaller and more specific subset than "some counties". "Some" is a more general term and can refer to a larger, less defined group.